An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has prompted health officials to advise residents and visitors of Potts Point, an inner-city suburb of Sydney, to be vigilant for symptoms. Those who have been in the area over the past ten days should monitor for signs of illness, which can include fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath.
Recently, three individuals, aged between 40 and 70, who do not know each other, have been hospitalised after contracting the disease. Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of the South East Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit, confirmed their hospitalisation and highlighted the potential risk of exposure to the bacteria, which can occur when contaminated water droplets from cooling systems are inhaled.
Symptoms may develop within ten days after exposure and can escalate to severe pneumonia if untreated. Diagnosis typically involves a urine or sputum test, as well as chest X-rays, and affected individuals commonly require hospitalisation and antibiotic treatment.
The public is particularly advised to remain cautious, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with chronic health issues or lung conditions, and smokers. The disease cannot be transmitted directly between individuals; rather, it originates from environmental sources, such as contaminated cooling towers.
Currently, NSW Health has not identified the specific source of this outbreak but has urged building owners to maintain their cooling towers in line with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022 to prevent further infections.